THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER 1983

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Reading:  Luke 2: 1-7         English - Mr Hunt Chinese - Monica

The Birth of Jesus Christ
1  In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
2  This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3  And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.
4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5  to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6  And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.
7  And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

COMMENTARY - Larry

Our last three studies have mentioned 3 people who overcame disadvantages or handicaps to achieve greatness.  Abraham was an old man when he started on his journey to start a new nation. Moses felt unqualified for the task of leadership.  Joseph started his life in Egypt as a slave after been thrown into a well by his brothers.

It seems to be a common characteristic of many great people of the Bible that they were able to overcome handicaps because of their trust and faith in God.

When God's own Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth, he also had humble beginnings.  Few would have thought that a baby born in a stable could be the Son of God himself.

World Vision had small and humble beginnings in Hong Kong. We worked here, virtually unknown, for 20 years.  Now, it seems that God is beginning to bless our work in new ways which we did not plan nor foresee.

If World Vision is to perform some important work in Hong Kong it will be essential that we, who work here, never forget from whom that success comes.  It was God who made Abraham, Joseph, and Moses into great men.  Although each one had individual talents, it was through the power of God himself, that their talents were transformed into greatness.  Let us pray that God will use us in similar ways, and let us pray also that we shall have the courage to allow him to work through us.

NEWS

PRAYER (say together)

Lord Jesus, you came into our world as a tiny baby, born in a stable.  Yet, because of you, all mankind may know God.  We pray that we might be so humble.  Take the poor skills we have, and transform them with your Spirit.
In Jesus' Name we pray. A-men